Every day, drivers across New Jersey share the road with massive commercial trucks—vehicles that weigh tens of thousands of pounds and require intense focus to operate safely. But what happens when a truck driver loses focus, even for a moment? Distracted truck driving in New Jersey is a serious and growing threat, endangering everyone on the road. And unfortunately, the consequences can be devastating.
Whether you commute daily on the Garden State Parkway, travel I-78 or Route 287, or drive through densely populated towns like Newark or Edison, you’re at risk when truck drivers aren’t paying attention. In this guide, we’ll break down why distracted driving is so dangerous among truck operators, what causes it, how to spot the warning signs, and what your legal options may be if you’re hurt in one of these preventable crashes.
Why Is Distracted Truck Driving So Dangerous?
Distracted driving is dangerous in any vehicle—but when the driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck, the risks are far more severe. Trucks require much more time and distance to stop compared to passenger vehicles. A split-second delay in reacting to traffic can cause life-altering collisions.
Common Types of Distracted Driving Among Truck Drivers
Distractions fall into three main categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Unfortunately, truck drivers may experience all three at once.
Here’s what that can look like on the road:
- Texting or using a smartphone: Looking at a screen instead of the road is both a visual and cognitive distraction. Despite federal bans, some truck drivers still take the risk.
- Eating or drinking while driving: Truckers often spend long hours behind the wheel. Grabbing a quick bite may seem harmless, but it takes hands off the wheel and attention away from traffic.
- Using dispatch devices or GPS: While these are essential tools, interacting with them while driving can be just as dangerous as using a phone.
- Fatigue-related distractions: Long hours and tight delivery schedules can lead to exhaustion. A fatigued driver may drift off mentally—even if they appear awake.
- Daydreaming or zoning out: Especially on long, monotonous stretches of highway, truck drivers may mentally check out, missing critical cues from the road.
Similar Post: The Hidden Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue: What Victims Need to Know About Their Rights After an Accident
What Laws Regulate Distracted Truck Driving?
In New Jersey, distracted driving laws apply to everyone, but commercial truck drivers are also subject to strict federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits truck drivers from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Violating these laws can result in:
- Hefty fines
- Points on a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- License suspension
- Increased liability in an accident
Despite these penalties, distracted driving persists—and when it leads to a crash, victims may have grounds for legal action.
Real-Life Impact: How Victims Are Affected
The injuries from a truck accident are often severe due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Victims of distracted truck driving in New Jersey may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
Even with prompt medical care, recovery can take months—or even years. Some victims may never fully return to their previous quality of life. That’s why it’s so important to understand your legal rights and how to protect them.
Who Is Liable in a Distracted Truck Driving Accident?
You might assume that the truck driver is solely to blame, but that’s not always the case. In many situations, multiple parties may be legally responsible:
- The truck driver: For engaging in distracted behavior behind the wheel.
- The trucking company: If they failed to train their driver, pushed unsafe schedules, or ignored prior safety violations.
- A third-party vendor: If the truck was poorly maintained by an outside maintenance provider.
- Product manufacturers: If a defective part (like faulty brakes) contributed to the crash.
Determining liability requires a detailed investigation, which is why working with an experienced New Jersey truck accident lawyer is so important.
How Do You Prove a Truck Driver Was Distracted?
Proving distracted driving isn’t always straightforward—but the right legal team can uncover key evidence, such as:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data: Commercial trucks are often equipped with electronic logs that can show driver activity.
- Cell phone records: These can reveal if the driver was texting or calling at the time of the crash.
- Dashcam footage: Both from the truck and nearby vehicles, dashcam video can be critical in proving distraction.
- Eyewitness testimony: Other drivers or pedestrians may have seen the trucker acting recklessly.
- Accident reconstruction reports: Specialists can recreate the collision and determine whether delayed braking or inattention played a role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Truck Driving in NJ
Can I still file a claim if the driver denies being distracted?
Yes. With the right evidence—such as phone records or dashcam footage—you can still build a strong case.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It’s important to act quickly before evidence disappears.
What if the truck driver works for an out-of-state company?
You can still pursue a claim in New Jersey if the crash occurred here. Your attorney will know how to handle cross-state legal issues.
Does it cost anything to speak with a truck accident lawyer?
Most personal injury firms, including ours, offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless your case is successful.
What You Should Do After a Distracted Truck Driving Accident
After a truck accident, your health and safety come first. But once you’re stable, taking the following steps can protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if your injuries seem minor, documentation is critical.
- Report the accident to police – A police report provides an objective account of the crash.
- Take photos and gather evidence – If possible, photograph the scene, damage, road conditions, and any signs of distraction.
- Get contact information from witnesses – Their accounts may support your claim.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney – Navigating insurance and liability issues is complex. Having a lawyer on your side helps level the playing field.
Why Distracted Driving Among Truckers Keeps Happening
You might be wondering: if the risks are so well known, why do truck drivers still drive distracted?
Unfortunately, several industry pressures contribute to the problem:
- Tight deadlines and pressure to meet delivery schedules
- Driver shortages that result in overworked truckers
- Incentive-based pay structures that encourage nonstop driving
- Lax enforcement by some trucking companies
Even though regulations exist, enforcement varies—and sometimes, safety takes a back seat to profits. This makes it even more important to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
Legal Help for Victims of Distracted Truck Driving in New Jersey
At Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari, we understand the pain, frustration, and confusion that follow a serious truck accident. You shouldn’t have to fight the insurance companies or navigate complex legal processes alone—especially while you’re healing.
Our team has decades of experience helping injured individuals and families across New Jersey recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
We have the resources to investigate your crash, work with accident reconstruction experts, and take your case to trial if necessary. Our compassionate approach is matched only by our commitment to getting results.
Similar Post: Time is Money: Why Delaying Your Personal Injury Claim in New Jersey Could Cost You More Than You Think
Protecting New Jersey Roads Starts With Accountability—Contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari if You Were Injured in a Truck Accident and Want to File a Claim
Distracted truck driving in New Jersey isn’t just a statistic—it’s a danger that impacts real people every day. Whether you were hit on the Turnpike, a local highway, or right outside your neighborhood, you have rights. And you don’t have to face this journey alone.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident involving a distracted driver, contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward justice.
Call us now or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let’s hold negligent truck drivers accountable—together. We represent clients in Chatham, Hackensack, South Plainfield, and throughout New Jersey.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.